You are using an older version of Microsoft Internet Explorer which the Adur & Worthing Councils' website does not support.

This is an out of date web browser, and also potentially insecure. You should upgrade your browser for free to at least Internet Explorer 9 to use this website, or consider another web browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera.

Expressions of interest invited for Assembly Hall and Richmond Room

Worthing Borough Council is exploring options for the future of the Assembly Hall and Richmond Room.

The Council is committed to keeping the venues as performance spaces but has advertised for interested parties who might want to take ownership of the venues as a marketing exercise.

Any possible transfer of the freehold of the Stoke Abbott Road venue to new owners would include a requirement for the current use of the property as a place of entertainment to continue.

Existing contractual arrangements for performances by the Sussex Theatre Organ Trust, the Worthing Symphony Orchestra and the Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra will also have to be honoured and the Wurlitzer Organ, which rises from underneath the stage, will also stay.

A spokesman for the Borough Council said:

“We are exploring a number of options for the rationalisation and improvement of entertainment provision in the borough. Like all local authorities we have to keep exploring best value for council tax payers in what are tight fiscal times.”

“This marketing exercise will help us understand if there is any interest in taking and improving the offer at these famous and much-loved venues.”

“We remain committed to ensuring the future of the Assembly Hall and Richmond Room as entertainment venues.”

Expressions of interest for the Grade 2 listed venues, the Assembly Hall has a standing capacity of 1,200 people and the Richmond 180, are to be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 19th January 2018.